Prior to being cast as Maud, Nilson had long expressed a desire to have a role in the series.[1] In interviews, Nilson has occasionally compared her role as Maud—who is often viewed as an outsider among other ponies—to her own experiences of living in Japan.[2][3]

During recording sessions, Nilson often stays rigidly still in order to get into character.[4] She has cited the title character of Daria as one of her inspirations for affecting Maud's voice.[5]